WSO gets ‘Up close and personal’

Washington Symphony Orchestra principal trumpet Matt Pienkowski

Classical music fans can hear the principal players and special guests of the Washington Symphony Orchestra at the annual chamber ensemble concert at 3 p.m. March 10 at First Baptist Church in Washington.

Under the direction of Chamber Conductor William Galvin, each year the WSO Chamber Ensemble presents “Up Close and Personal,” providing a number of selections featuring the talents of the orchestra’s principal musicians. Matt Pienkowski, principal trumpet, will play a trumpet solo in Haydn’s “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra.” Pienkowski, a Washington native and Trinity High School graduate who studied music at West Virginia University and Carnegie Mellon University, has been the principal trumpet for the WSO since 2006. His long-term goal is to play in a major market orchestra and the opportunity to be a featured soloist is something he takes seriously. “I am pleased to have a special role at this chamber concert. Playing a solo is a way for me to share my music with those who enjoy the classics,” he said.

The WSO’s String Quartet – Barbara Butler, Caryn Rogers, Andrew Adams and Greta Schottman – will be joined by guest pianist Harry Coleman. The five will then play an Antonin Dvorak quintet selection entitled “Quintet in A, Op. 81.” The WSO quartet often plays for special events throughout the area representing the orchestra and have built a regular following.

The regular season concerts offer a variety of selections that are classical and contemporary, reaching a wider audience at Trinity High School. The Chamber Ensemble’s “Up Close and Personal” provides a more intimate setting at a church, where the musicians are closer to the audience and performing traditional classical music.

All tickets for the chamber concert are $10 and can be purchased at the door the day of the concert. Advance ticket sales are available online at www.washsym.org. For more information, contact info@washsym.org.